Entrepreneurship

828-398-7950

What is the North Carolina Small Business Center Network?

The NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network (SBCN) is our state’s largest statesupported small business assistance initiative. Started in 1984 with the funding of eight small business centers by the North Carolina General Assembly, by 1995 at least one Small Business Center was established at each of the 58 community colleges. Currently, the Network has 60 sites throughout the state with Centers conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of every North Carolinian. At the core of its vision, the Small Business Center Network is positioned to focus on entrepreneurship, small business and economic development with an emphasis on assisting start-ups, early stage, and businesses seeking disaster assistance or seeking to stabilize. Our unique structure allows ease of access and unparalleled knowledge of and linkages within local communities. We collaborate with Federal, State and local entities to help business owners get the most current information needed to start and successfully operate their enterprises. Potential or existing small business owners can take advantage of high quality, readily accessible assistance that includes: • Free, confidential one-on-one business counseling services • Resource and referral information for a variety of business needs • High-impact seminars and classes available free of charge or for a minimal registration fee

Our Center staff understands the unique economic situations of North Carolina’s diverse communities and regions, and they provide services customized to meet those as well as specific business needs. Experienced business counselors are available to help with: • Entrepreneurial Assessment • Entrepreneurship Training • Business Plan Development • Sources of Capital and Loan Preparation • Marketing Assistance • Biotechnology-related Business Questions • International Trade • Government Procurement

828-398-7950

A-B Tech Small Business Center and Business Incubation Program

The Small Business Center provides a number of services targeting both prospective and existing Small business owners. Confidential counseling, a resource library and access to experts in the accounting, legal, management, marketing and technology fields are some of the free services provided through the Small Business Center. The Center for Business and Technology Incubation offers a business incubation program which helps accelerate the sustainable development of both start-up and emerging companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources. The incubation program offers facilities, access to equipment, small business counseling and networking opportunities; all of which are critical to successful business development.

Want to talk with someone about starting a business?

ENTREPRENEURIAL ASSESSMENT DAYS

Schedule a time to meet with a member of the A-B Tech Small Business Center team via Zoom. Assessment Days will be held the second Tuesday of every month. Call (828) 398-7950 for a 30-minute assessment. Tuesday, January 11 Tuesday, February 8 Tuesday, March 8 Tuesday, April 12

828-398-7950

Small Business Center FAQ

I want to start my own business. Where do I start?

We recommend that you start by visiting our website at abtech.edu/sbc . This will help you start the process in determining if business ownership is right for you as well as provide you with some good overall information regarding the resources that we offer.

Where can I find more information on your NO COSTprograms?

Please visit our website at www.abtech.edu/sbcand click on the “Seminar Calendar” link for a complete listing of Small Business Center programs. While viewing the calendar, click on any seminar listing for a detailed course description including a link to the seminar registration page.

At which of the A-B Tech locations can I find your offices?

We are located at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College’s Enka site located at 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC 28715. Our office hours are from 8:30 am –5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Although, as a convenience to our hard working entrepreneurs, we do offer a number of seminars in the evenings, on Saturdays, and online.

Do you offer one-on-one counseling?

Yes. We offer confidential counseling, by appointment only. You may go online to request counseling at: www.abtech.edu/sbc. Scroll down and click on "Request counseling now."

The A-B Tech Small Business Center has officially launched SBCTV at A-B Tech! We are answering the call of those who are interested in viewing select programs on-demand. SBCTV at A-B Tech is a compilation of programming based on a variety of business topics –including marketing, bookkeeping, taxes, and business planning. The platform will also include access to workshops and special events. In the future, we will include interview segments with local entrepreneurs and small business leaders as well as live events. You can stay up to date by subscribing at https://bit.ly/33EUeet. Don’t forget to turn on those notifications and push the “like” button.

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828-398-7950

Startup Asheville

Serving Buncombe and Madison Counties

Startup Asheville is an online business portal that helps empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed by connecting them with support providers, how-to business training, and one another. The program is tied to A-B Tech Community College’s Small Business Center and was developed in partnership with Supportedly. Startup Asheville resourcerich website includes: • Essential business courses created by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs • Direct connection to the A-B Tech Community College Small Business Center • A community events calendar, which features online webinars and workshops • Inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs, mentors, and more

Now, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey — preparing to launch, just getting started, or up and running and steadily growing — entrepreneurs throughout Buncombe & Madison Counties will be able to quickly and easily level up their business with confidence through the click of a button.

Scan the code and check out Startup Asheville Today!

https://bit.ly/39y4hok

828-398-7950

Are You Ready?

Are you a startup that’s looking to get connected with a group of entrepreneurs, business counselors, and mentors who can help you move forward with your venture? Maybe you’re already in business and would like to find a group ofproficient experts who are able to give you guidance on how to qualify and implement the “next steps” for your organization. If so, then Catapult may be the program that you’re looking for. Catapult is the front door for any entrepreneur or business owner who wants to connect and get feedback from those who have demonstrated track records of success in business.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to present your business idea to a captive audience of experts who can help you propel your business forward during Spark Tank, Inc’s virtual Catapult event.

Three applicants will be selected to give three-minute presentations of their concept followed by 12 minutes of open dialogue. The outcome is all about giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect with a coach or mentor who has the skill set to provide key information and guidance. It’s all about building relationships!

Program participants don’t have to currently be in business, although they must have a valid business concept. They must have already connected with an economic development resource provider who is a Spark Tank, Inc partner. Participants must have the ability to articulate how their idea can help, or has helped, solve a problem. They also need to have a clear idea of the type of assistance that they need from the group.

Propel Forward Together events are held randomly, at least four times a year. Applications are always open. More information and upcoming dates can be found at sparktanknc.org or email info@sparktanknc.org .

SAVE THE DATE! 7th Annual Western Women’s Business Conference The Spirit of Women

Please mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Western Women’s Busines Conference. The new date is set for April 20, 2022 at the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center. Be sure to check the website at www.wwbcnc.org for updates regarding the schedule and to register.

828-398-7950

Community Development Financial Institutions Outstanding Lending Partners for Small Businesses

What are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)?

CDFIs are specialized organizations that provide financial services in low-income communities and to people who lack access to funding. They work to empower low-income and underserved people and communities to enter the financial mainstream. CDFI is a designation given by the CDFI Fund.

What types of activities do CDFIs finance?

CDFIs finance a wide range of activities – including mortgage lending for first-time homebuyers, flexible underwriting to community facilities, and commercial loans for businesses in low-income areas.

What qualifies a lender to be a CFDI?

In order to qualify as a CDFI, an organization must submit an application to the CDFI Fund for review. The CDFI Certification Application must demonstrate that the applicant meets a number of requirements including: • Is a legal entity at the time of certification • Has a primary mission of promoting community development • Is a financing entity • Primarily serves one or more target markets • Provide development services in conjunction with its financing activities • Maintains accountability to its defined target market • Is a non-government entity and not under the control of any government entity (Tribal governments excluded).

What is the difference between a CDFI and a traditional bank?

The traditional banking industry has historically undeserved low-income and minority communities. This often forces these groups to turn to high-risk alternatives for funding such as check-cashing services, pawnshop loans, auto title loans, payday loans, and paycheck or tax refund advances. CDFIs are more likely to have funding available to support startups, nonprofits, micro, and small businesses, affordable housing, consumers, and commercial real estate. CDFIs usually offer loans that are more predictable allowing the customer to have more certainty with payments. Traditional banks a more objective with the underwriting process – they are often credit-score-driven. Whereas CDFIs seek to make lending more inclusive and place more weight on credit history and character. Most CDFIs offer technical assistance services and training programs such as business coaching, mentoring, and advisory services. CDFIs also have more flexibility with their lending terms in the event that a borrower faces financial difficulties.

Are there any CDFI’s locally and, if so, who are they?

Yes, there are … • Mountain BizWorks - www.mountainbizworks.org • The Carolina Small Business Development Fund - https://www.carolinasmallbusiness.org/ • National Community Investment Fund (NCIF) - https://www.ncif.org/ • Self-Help Credit Union - https://www.self-help.org/ • Thread Capital - https://www.threadcap.org/

Where can I go if I have further questions about CDFIs?

The best way to stay in “the know” about opportunities for small businesses is to get connected with your local business resource provider. There is a Small Business Center at every community college in North Carolina. This expansive network of business experts covers all 100 counties. Be sure to check out the A-B Tech Small Business Center’s webpage at www.abtech.edu/sbc .

828-398-7950

SMALL BUSINESS CENTER CLIENT PROFILE: Mark Sundara Asheville Ice

What is your business?

WE SERVICE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH ICE MACHINES. Asheville Ice Company is a local ice machine sales, rental, and repair company located in the western part of North Carolina. We provide ice machine sales, rentals, and repair to many different distribution channels, including local independently owned co-op supermarkets, local businesses, restaurants/bars, and others in the Asheville area. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards for equipment and service is above any other. Asheville Ice accommodates all needs from the renting and servicing of ice machines.

Why did you start a business?

I got let go from a position in manufacturing. This was the first time I’d ever been fired from a job. Not the best feeling. Eventually, that company went out of business. From then on, I wanted to be my boss, but now it seems I have more bosses than ever. I now must serve the company, clients, and employees...I'm last on the totem pool. I cashed out my 401K, went back to my roots, and wanted to fix things again. I got my refrigeration degree at A-B Tech, and I knew I was always good at fixing things, and my best friend in Florida owned a refrigeration business at the time and said I should give this a try. We grew up together, and I worked with him and his family before, so I was familiar with the business, and I just went for it.

How has the A-B Tech Small Business Center (SBC) assisted you? (You can mention, counseling, seminars, workshops, collaborations, etc.)

If it wasn’t for AB Tech and Jill Sparks giving me a chance and allowing me to be a part of the small business center, there would be no Asheville Ice today. The workshops on social media marketing, tax advice, and counseling have helped tremendously. Sometimes it's faster to sit down with an expert who would have been through what I’m going through now and help me not to make the same mistakes as they were starting.

What kind of progress have you made on a business and/or personal level since you started working with the Small Business Center?

The help of the small business center and the mentoring and guidance allowed us to accelerate our business and dial in our processes. We were able to have the space and the room to make mistakes and correct them quickly.

How has 2020 impacted your business?

We lost a large chunk of our revenue in 2020, and it put our growth on pause since most of our clientele own bars and restaurants, so when they were closed, we were closed. But I allowed up to reorganize.

What has the pandemic taught you as a businessperson?

Sometimes you have to let things go that are not working. We had a refrigerated trailer rental side of the business that was halted due to the pandemic. No one was having events or festivals. So, we sold our trailers and reinvested them into better equipment, tools, and ways to continue to make our jobs easier. We now have wireless gauges to check refrigerant pressures and other digital gear and instruments. We looked at things we knew we needed and did have that would like life easier and found a way to get it.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?

Make sure you give yourself, your product, and or your service a value that you are worth and that you are happy to offer that product or service for a fair asking price. Don’t let people beat you down on a price and stand firm on what you are offering. People want good service, and that is how you get repeat business. If you have a great idea, test it on your friends, and family get their opinion or advice. You never know what kind of connections they have and go for it. If your idea helps fill a need or you can improve on a product or service, you will get clients and find work.